Bahrain will open its first all-female university in September next year, it was revealed yesterday.

The Royal University for Women, which is also the first of its kind in the Middle East, will offer degrees education, design and computer sciences and management.

The Faculties of Education and Management are affiliated with McGill University, Canada, while the Faculty of Design and Computer Sciences is affiliated with Middlesex University, UK. (Continued)

Hooray! This is all the more reason for MP Mattar to not waste the Parliament's time with his UoB segregation proposal. It looks like the Royal University for Women will be an excellent institution for women who are not comfortable with a co-ed educational environment. Of course, it might not be possible for everyone to afford it since it will be private. But when the public budget is so tight as it is, it would be irresponsible of the government to commit precious resources towards the segregation of Bahrain University.

If you'd like to tell MP Mattar what you think about his segregation proposal (in very polite words, of course), then please contact him:

Yes Steve. I'm sure that the women who will graduate from this university will be able to use their skills in industry in Bahrain and abroad. I'm not exactly sure what you are trying to ask (or imply) in your question. Care to clarify for us? Cheers.

Steve, you seem to be confusing us with our larger neighbour, Saudi Arabia. Although here in Bahrain we have a long ways to go before being able to declare that we have "equal opportunity", women here have the right to work, and they certainly make use of that right. A few weeks back I mentioned that the Shura Council (the appointed part of the Parliament) has 6 women on board. In addition, our Minister of Health is also a woman. And if you ever decide to visit Bahrain you will see that women play an active role in the work environment and public life.

We still have much to do to eradicate gender discrimination altogether, but please be clear: most Arab countries do not live under Taliban rule.